Peptide serums have become a staple in skincare in recent years. But what exactly is in them, and how do you choose one? In this guide we explain what a peptide serum is, which ingredients you will encounter and how it differs from research-grade material.
A peptide serum is a cosmetic product for topical use with skin peptides such as copper peptides or PDRN. It is a finished care product — a different category from research-grade peptide powder.
What is a peptide serum?
A peptide serum is a cosmetic formulation that includes skin peptides, intended to be applied to the skin. Unlike separate research peptides, a serum is ready to use and tailored to topical use. Read more about the role of peptides in the skin in peptides for skin.
Which ingredients will you encounter?
The most common active ingredients are copper peptides (GHK-Cu), PDRN and collagen fragments. Copper peptides are associated with connective tissue and structure — read copper peptides: cosmetic vs research and what is GHK-Cu. PDRN is another widely used ingredient; see what is PDRN.
How do you choose a peptide serum?
The choice depends on what you are aiming for: copper-peptide serums focus on structure, PDRN serums more often on recovery and texture. Browse and compare the full skincare & serums category, including the PDRN Pink Peptide Serum and the Copper Peptide Hair Serum.
This information is general and educational in nature. Peptide Lab's serums are cosmetic products for topical use, not a medicine and not medical advice. Research-grade peptides are supplied for laboratory and research purposes only.
Frequently asked questions about peptide serums
What is a peptide serum?
A peptide serum is a cosmetic formulation for topical use containing one or more skin peptides, often together with ingredients such as copper, hyaluronic acid or retinol. It is a ready-to-use care product, not a research-grade powder.
Which peptides are in a serum?
Common ones are copper peptides (GHK-Cu), PDRN and collagen fragments. Each formulation combines them differently; the exact composition is on the product label.
What is the difference from research-grade peptides?
A serum is a finished cosmetic product for the skin. Research-grade peptides are lyophilised powders, for laboratory use only. They are two separate categories.
Which peptide serum should I choose?
That depends on your goal: copper-peptide serums focus on structure and connective tissue, PDRN serums on recovery and texture. Browse the full serum category to compare.
